What is the policy for nurses regarding drug or alcohol impairment?

• A. Nurses may continue to practice normally if impairment is mild.
• B. Nurses must not practice while impaired; impairment is a ground for discipline; institutions may require evaluation and treatment under policy.
• C. Impairment is a personal matter and not a disciplinary issue.
• D. Impairment must be reported only if legal charges are filed.

Answer: (B)

When a nurse is impaired by drugs or alcohol, patient safety drives the policy: you do not practice while impaired. Impairment is treated as a professional discipline issue, not a private concern. The board reviews this as grounds for discipline because impairment can compromise judgment, motor function, and decision-making, putting patients at risk. At the same time, policies typically provide a path for evaluation and treatment through the employer or a designated professional health program, so the nurse can seek help and return to practice only after meeting safe criteria.

This isn’t about mild personal discomfort being tolerated; impairment is considered a risk to care and thus not permissible. It’s not solely a matter to be resolved by the nurse alone, and it isn’t contingent on criminal charges; reporting and intervention can occur through employers or the board under policy.